The Curious Agen Domino99 Case of David Bentley
Once touted as a long-term replacement to David Beckham on the right of England's midfield, the career of former Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur winger David Bentley seems to have gone seriously off course, writes Andy Greeves. Ten years ago, David Bentley scored the first goal of his professional career for Arsenal against Middlesbrough on January 24, 2004. His delicate chip over Boro goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer from the edge of the box spoke volumes for the huge natural ability the 19-year-old midfielder possessed. Loan spells at Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers followed between 2004 and 2006, in which time Bentley proved that he could compete at the highest level, playing 26 Premier League games for the Canaries, scoring twice and 14 further games at Ewood Park. He permanently signed for Blackburn in January 2006 and within days achieved his Lipoqq career highlight to date - a hat-trick for Rovers in a 4-3 win over Manchester United on ...